Patron Saint: Saint Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant family in the French village of Pouy on April 24, 1581. His first formal education was provided by the Franciscans. He did so well, he was hired to tutor the children of a nearby wealthy family.

Vincent de Paul was born in the small southern French town in 1581 and ordained as a priest in 1600 at the age of 19. As a young man, he ministered to the wealthy and powerful. However, an appointment as chaplain to a poor parish, and to prisoners, inspired him to a vocation of working with those most marginalised and powerless.

Vincent urged his followers to bring God’s justice and love to people who were unable to live a full human life: ​

“Deal with the most urgent needs. Organise charity so that it is more efficient…teach reading and writing, educate with the aim of giving each the means of self-support. Intervene with authorities to obtain reforms in structure… there is no charity without justice.” ​

He was canonised a Saint on 16 June 1737 and, in 1883, the Church designated him as the special patron Saint of all charitable associations.​